Martin, Leno, ‘Kinky Boots’ top 2016-17 Van Wezel season

Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, almost, literally, knows everyone in show business. Her patiently constructed connections have brought stars to Sarasota over the past 10 years such as Josh Groban, Cheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Audra McDonald and John Legend.

But it was pure luck that on Feb. 7, 2014, Jay Leno was making people laugh at the Van Wezel the night after he bowed out as host of “The Tonight Show.” The appearance in Sarasota made national news.

“I was lucky enough to land Jay through a friend who is an agent,” Bensel said Thursday. “She told me, ‘Leno is looking to tour Florida.’ She needed five or six shows. I called friends. We put a tour together for Jay in 30 minutes. It was all luck.”

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This year Bensel is up to her magic again, bringing in the gifted actor, comedian, film producer, musician and screenwriter Steve Martin to help highlight the Van Wezel’s 2016-17 season.

“As far as I know, Steve has never been to Sarasota, at least not on our books,” Bensel said. “I wanted to bring his show here and the only date he had available I had an opening.”

On Feb. 10, Sarasota will welcome Martin and “Saturday Night Live” alum Martin Short for their wacky show, “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life.” The pair are accompanied by Martin’s Grammy-winning bluegrass band, Steep Canyon Rangers.

Martin and Short are also the featured performers for the black tie Van Wezel Foundation Gala on the same night.

Joining Martin and Short as headliner for this season is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit, “Kinky Boots,” Bensel said.

As for Leno, he’s back on the 2016-17 schedule.

“It’s been three years since Jay was here,” Bensel said. “I tried to get him back in 2015 but he wanted to come back with some fresh material. He is so nice. He’s amazing.”

The schedule includes Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Broadway and “Glee” star Matthew Morrison joined by Sirius XM’s On Broadway host Seth Rudetsky, master of satire David Sedaris and the iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (celebrating their 50th anniversary).